Reproductive performance of rabbits fed groundnut (Arachis hypogea) haulms

Abstract

The 20 parent rabbits used in this study were randomly assigned to 4 treatments (diets 2-5) plus a control diet (Dietl) while the 20 FI does were maintained on the parental diet. The number of matings per conception were higher in the parent does than the FI does. Generally the Fl does performed better than the parent does in most of the parameters considered. The lowest value of 50.0 and 50.0 obtained in FI does were higher than the lowest value of 33.33 and 25.0 obtained in purent does for conception rate (%) and reproductive efficiency (%) respectively. Although, one cases of abortion and two cases of stillbirth were recorded in parent does, none was observed in FI does. The litter size of FI does which ranged between 4.0-5.5 was lower than the parent does which ranged between 40-6.5 It could however be inferred that the overall superior performance of the FI does may not be unconnected with the inclusion of groundnut haulms in their diet from the start after weaning.